Leveling Up Student Success: How Moreno Valley Unified’s Scholastic Esports is Changing the Game

 

From Screens to Dreams: A New Era of Student Involvement and Achievement

Moreno Valley, September 3, 2024, — Moreno Valley Unified School District is hitting a new high score with its rapidly growing Esports program. What started as a niche club has exploded into a major player, with over 1,500 students now “logging in” to an activity that’s transforming lives and boosting school spirit.

General Information

Moreno Valley Unified’s Scholastic Esports program goes beyond gaming and provides leadership opportunities for students as they help plan and lead district-wide events. While engaging in gaming, students are learning college and career skills. Such skills can lead them to lucrative careers such as: Software Developers, Analysts, Web Developers, Business Developers, and many more. 

Game On for Everyone

For many students, Esports is more than just a game—it’s a gateway. Remarkably, 60.2% of our Esports participants reported they had never joined any school activity before. Now, they’re not just players; they’re part of a team, a community, and a new school culture where everyone can find their niche. This inclusion is critical because we know that students who are more involved in school activities have a higher chance of graduating and achieving academic success.

“Our Esports program is more than just about playing games,” said Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Ruvalcaba. “It’s about creating a supportive environment where students can thrive, make friends, and learn important life skills like teamwork and perseverance.”

 

Press Start on New Friendships and Skills

However, the benefits go way beyond the keyboard and screen. Our students are forming real, meaningful friendships—73% of them report making new friends thanks to Esports. They’re also boosting their confidence, with a whopping 69% feeling more self-assured and capable. And let’s not forget sportsmanship: 68% have honed their ability to compete kindly, win gracefully, and lose with dignity.

Academics Get a Power-Up

The success doesn’t stop there, here’s the real plot twist: our Esports program isn’t just fun and games—it’s also a powerhouse for academic success. A recent study from the University of Riverside found that students who participate in Esports show significant improvements in math skills, inhibitory control, and working memory. Who knew that hitting those high scores could lead to high grades?

In Moreno Valley Unified, the average grade point average (GPA) students participating in Esports is higher compared to non-participants. Esports participants also showed higher growth in English-Language Arts (ELA) and Math on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

Ready Player Next: Expanding Opportunities

Looking ahead, Moreno Valley is looking to possibly expand the Esports program. This expansion isn’t limited to students. We have staff that are continuing to expand their knowledge on the sport and create more opportunities for their students. 

Recently, two Moreno Valley Unified staff members were selected in the mentorship program from the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). Ms Ariel Koepp is entering her second year in the program as a Mentor and Mr. Peter Whitmore, is in his third year as classified as a Community Leader.

“This program has positively impacted my teaching and the students I interact with by giving me access to curriculum and resources to enhance engagement, emphasize collaboration and communication, encourage students to use problem solving skills, and build their resilience and confidence,” said Koepp. 

 

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